In the face of the thrill-ride trend at surrounding parks, Magic Kingdom has kept its charm, remaining almost quaint with its carousel rides and cotton candy. The park gives pre-schoolers the most age-appropriate choices for rides and shows, but grade-schoolers will get the max from the experience. For 'tweens, teens and adults, the magic never dies.


Pre-Schooler Favorites

 Initiate your pre-schoolers at "Mickey's Toontown Fair," where they can get autographs from Mickey and Minnie (along with a slew of other favorite characters), watch a 'toon-filled show, become a character in cartoon-themed play areas, and - if they're brave and at least 35 inches tall - ride a beginner roller coaster at "Goofy's Wiseacres Farm." Take the Walt Disney World Train to get to Toontown.

On Tom Sawyer Island, boys like to run around the trails and caves. Girls might prefer hanging around Cinderella's Castle, where they can have breakfast with the princess and friends. Shows throughout the day take place on the stage out front of the castle. Most little ones like climbing the cool "Swiss Family Treehouse."

For their first 3-D experience, take them to "Mickey's PhilharMagic," starring Mickey, Donald, the Little Mermaid, et al and replacing the "Legend of the Lion King." As an introduction to Disney's world of animatronics, all kids seem to enjoy "It's a Small World." Other tot favorites: "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," "Dumbo the Flying Elephant," "The Magic Carpets of Aladdin," "Mad Tea Party" and "Peter Pan's Flight." Witches and darkness make "Snow White's Scary Adventure" true to its name for many toddlers.
To break bread in the company of Winnie and his entourage, make reservations for The Crystal Palace's buffet, open breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Because small legs get tired and little bodies get fidgety, make use of the FASTPASS system, whereby you can make an appointment to return to the most popular attractions within a future time slot (available for Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan). To break bread in the company of Winnie and his entourage, make reservations for The Crystal Palace's buffet, open breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Lion King's wise Zazu and Aladdin's smart-mouthed Iago update and kick up the humor level in the "Enchanted Tiki Room - Under New Management." Try not to miss the "Share a Dream Come True" parade, a truly magical procession of snow globes come to life.


Grade-School Winners

 Your big boys and girls can graduate to the slightly scarier and louder attractions that are too much for wee ones.

Kids like spinning at the "Mad Tea Party" because they can take control. Tomorrowland is a winner with this age group, especially "Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin," an interactive ride fitted with laser guns; and the "Indy Speedway," for kids 52 inches and taller.

They'll enjoy most of the classic Disney attractions, such as the "Haunted Mansion," "Jungle Cruise," and "Pirates of the Caribbean," although the youngest in the age group may get frightened by the realness of the robotic figures.

Grade-school kids should also keep an eye out for "Stitch's Great Escape," starring a 3-D Stitch and other characters from the popular film Lilo & Stitch. The new attraction, replacing the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, is scheduled to open fall 2004. Still involving aliens, but this time the soft and cuddly variety, it traces Stitch's life before his movie debut. Chances are your pre-schoolers even may like this one, too, if they're fans of the film and can handle the dark, sudden noises and over-the-shoulder restraints.

If they're gregarious, take grade-schoolers to Goofy's Country Dancin' Jamboree to learn a few steps from the cartoon characters.

Although a bit loud and late for toddlers, the SpectroMagic finale is a don't-miss pageant of fireworks, holographs and fiber optic technologies that will fascinate your older ones.


Terrific for 'Tweens, Teens and Upward

 Once they've reached middle school, kids are ready for the mountainous thrills of "Space Mountain," "Splash Mountain" and "Big Thunder Mountain." The park's more educational aspects also appeal to older children and adults. Don't miss "The Hall of Presidents." Although other Disney parks offer more variety in shopping, Magic Kingdom will keep consumers young and old interested, especially in the idyllic setting of Main Street, USA.